Ajah, IL

03/07/2016

Reviewer is Researching this school.
Reviewer has been to campus.

1 of 29

Categories

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In three sentences

It is a wonderful school with a lot of activity. Very bright and welcoming from what I have seen. However, diversity isn't the best and I talked to a student where she mentioned that there were some minor diversity issues at the school.

Tina from Chicago, IL

03/24/2014

Reviewer is A past student here.

2 of 29

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Campus Safety

Ridiculously safe and its awesome.

Greek Life

None.

Clubs and Activities

There are a bunch of them, for a lot of different interest. If you want to make a club, you can do that too - if you have enough students interested. And if you like sports but don't want to be on the sports team, there are intramural sports, which are just for fun.

Great for these types of students

Outgoing, hardworking, and friendly students who doesn't mind a small student body. You will recognize familiar students on campus and have most of the same professors the entire time you're here. Make sure that won't bother you.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

We have a whole Homecoming week of traditions. Throughout the week there are a bunch of games and events leading up to the Homecoming football game (including Party in the Plaza where the clubs have tables of games and prizes that match the Homecoming theme). Then on that Saturday we have a parade with all the campus clubs, ushering in the pep rally right before the Homecoming game. Then later on that night we have a big dance. Its a lot of fun.

Bang for the buck

I would say that you pay for what you get. Remember you are paying for an education first and foremost. The professors love their jobs and it really does show. The campus is beautiful and well taken care of too. The buildings are old, but our dorms and buildings are very nice and well taken care of.

What to do for fun

You have all of downtown Naperville at your disposal. On campus there are multiple things happening every weekend and clubs happen throughout the week. You should never be bored if you pay attention to the things that are being offered on campus and you can get a lot of free gift cards and t-shirts at most events. (most of the events are annual too, so every year you can go to Party in the Plaza or Spring Fest for example, and SNAC at WAC is a game night every Saturday--go with friends).

Food and Dining

Food is pretty meh.. I don't care for it much, its basic to poor quality. Good news is the bonus bucks on the meal plan for the campus shop where you can buy food and coffee, and in some dorms you have a kitchen. Those help.

Dorm Life

The room quality is good overall, and the community bathrooms are cleaned daily. The Resident Assistants are always as good resource and there for the residents. As for the social aspect of floor-mates, once again it depends on where you live. First year dorms are very open and community orientated usually. Your first year dorm will have the most socializing on the floor and building connections. After that year, in upper class-men dorms, students typically stay in their own rooms and only venture to other friends' dorm rooms. But that is a hit or miss type deal and most RA's want you all to socialize.

Academic Rigor

Its pretty middle of the road on average. Some classes you never have to read outside of the class lectures, other classes you do. Some classes are difficult while others are easier. You will find out rather quickly which type of class or prof you have though, so it all just depends on what you get and your area of study. Just stay on top of everything though, 10 weeks goes by fast. I would say thats the hardest part about NCC.

Tips for prospective students

It can be a little cliquey at times, but without a doubt you will find a group of friends who accept you and campus is still friendly. Join as many clubs as you can manage, it is the best thing you can do on campus (helps with the making friends). Stay on top of your homework and never be a afraid to ask for help. The more questions you ask and more interested in succeeding in a class you are, the more helpful the professors will be. It will show your dedication, which will only put you ahead.

In three sentences

North Central is a fun, friendly environment with a lot of school pride. Be ready to hit the ground running, classes can get intense.

Zach from Dunlap, IL

01/14/2014

Reviewer is A current student here.

3 of 29

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What to do for fun

There are always things to do for fun. The weekends have organized programs to be involved in and with downtown Naperville right down the block, the options are pretty numerous. With a small campus size, it is easy to hang out with friends who may live in different dorms. There is an Amtrak station two blocks north of campus that goes directly to Chicago, so there are much more options there for things to do.

Food and Dining

There is a little to be desired when it comes to the dining halls and food. There isn't much to complain about because this is the food you are given every day of the week, but there is still room for improvement. The times the dining halls are open on the weekends is quite inconvenient. There are only two dining halls on campus and one isn't open on Sundays and the other closes at 4 on Saturday. There are multiple options for meals for each course, but not enough to maintain a rush when everyone has time for each course.

Dorm Life

Everyone is here for the same thing - to better their education in hopes of finding a career to sustain an enjoyable future. This means that the dorm life, while being a sociable one, is one that has multiple and efficient perks to studying for those who need to.

Academic Rigor

There are many opportunities for majors and minors here at NCC. Being a liberal arts school, the possibilities and combinations are vast. There are honors and leadership programs all year round that allow you to find the proper way to prepare yourself for the future. With the class sizes being so small compared to other larger schools, the teachers take more care into grading and assisting, making it a better learning environment.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure you're comfortable with a small class size and participation, the average class size is 28 students. Keep an open mind when opportunities arise for different activities around campus, they can greatly help you find a sense of community and help you in your search for a career.

In three sentences

North Central is a caring school, concentrating on their students' well-beings and acceleration in their prospective fields. The school has a wonderful atmosphere, one that is inviting and welcoming - a comfortable place to learn. Being a student here has taught me to indulge in the student opportunities presented all around the school and community in Naperville.

Deanna from Channahon, IL

So many options to go to. You can either stay on campus and eat or there are several restaurants in the downtown Naperville area.

Dorm Life

With several different options of dorm life, a person can find the home they find the most comfortable for them, though for freshman that decision isn't as grand.

Academic Rigor

Academics are great, the teachers try to challenge you with there subjects to get you to think outside the box.

In three sentences

From what I've seen North Central seems like an amazing place. Great location, astonishing academics, and outstanding activities. It's such a great place to go to college; a place to grow and learn for the future.

Residence Life on Campus is great as they staff fantastic Area Hall Directors and Resident Assistants. The Office of Residence Life puts on a program every Friday night and bring famous comedians and hypnotists to campus in addition to game nights.

Academic Rigor

North Central takes its' academics very seriously as we are a competitive liberal arts school.

Tips for prospective students

Come as yourself and North Central will accept you as you are with open arms. Continue to apply for scholarships and if you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask them. Also, come to campus for a lovely tour visit!

In three sentences

North Central is a wonderful small private liberal arts college with a plethora of opportunities for its students such as study abroad, independent undergraduate research, Division 3 sports, intermurals, and fantastic musical opportunities. Located in the heart of Naperville, North Central is in a great booming city with quick transportation available to Downtown Chicago for other internship opportunities. North Central staff, faculty, and administrators truly care about their students are are much more than professional staff; they are colleagues and friends.

MarQuinta from La Salle, IL

08/01/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

6 of 29

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Campus Safety

Campus Safety is located on the South End of campus, there are not that many workers. If you are able to reach them on their phone they are very helpful. The college is overall a small campus and takes at the most 15 minutes to walk from North end to South and is surrounded by residentual areas but campus safety could still be a lot better

Greek Life

There is not a greek life at North Central

Clubs and Activities

There are many clubs and sports teams to join. There is a movie night, and a game night, called SNAC at WAC. There are also many concerts that happen on campus that students are able to get a discount to see.

Great for these types of students

Great for theater, education, language and history students.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The Pancake breakfast happens late night the Sunday of Finals week, the President, deans and some teachers serve the students pancakes in the dinning hall, there is always a very long line so you should all ways leave early to go. There is also a term called D-Term, which begins a week after Thanksgiving and ends a week before Christmas. D-term can either be a very long break for students or they could either study abroad or make up credits that they are missing by take a fun and easy class.

Bang for the buck

The college is very expensive but it is a small college and has the community feel, ultimately it is up to you and how hard you work to say if it is worth the money.

What to do for fun

There are many clubs that you are able to join, and sports teams. There is also always an event going on around campus like movie night, game night, and live bands and comedians. The campus is also right next to downtown Naperville and has a shuttle that goes to the bowling alley, mall and movie theater, and a train that goes to downtown Chicago, so you will always be able to find something to do.

Food and Dining

There are two dining places to eat on campus and a small cafe/store where students can buy food. The dining staff is working on making the food better but there are days that you should avoid the dining hall, like on taco day.

Dorm Life

The freshmen dorms suck but the dorms for the upperclassmen are really awesome. There are suite style dorms and there are even off campus apartments available for students that have enough credits.

Academic Rigor

There are lots of resources for students to get help on campus and the professors are great at letting you know what you need to do in order to improve.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure that you are up for the challenge of keeping your grades up. Also make sure that you and your family can afford for you to go there until you are able to graduate.

In three sentences

North Central College is very academically competitive school, with fantastic professors. There are lots of activities for students to get involved in on campus.

Downtown Naperville offers bars, shopping centers, and the river walk is close too. North Central always has school sponsored events, which are always fun.

Food and Dining

2 cafeterias are better than one. Variety of food is good, the quality isn't the best. More fresh foods will help.

Dorm Life

Nice and spacious for the most part. All are close in distance, although some don't have air conditioning.

Academic Rigor

Trimesters don't allow a lot of time to really understand the content, but if you focus on academics it really is not a big deal.

Tips for prospective students

Come in with an open mind and try to be involved as much as possible.

In three sentences

North Central College gives students the opportunity to play a sport, and receive a quality education. Downtown Naperville is right on campus, so there is always something to do. With 3,000 students enrolled, it is easy to get involved and make lifelong friends.

Michele from Sandwich, IL

There are over 60 different clubs and you can make your own if they don't offer one you want.

Great for these types of students

Involved Athletic Education Eager to learn

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

It has some building on campus said to be haunted

Bang for the buck

They give out a lot of scholarships and offer so many things that are free! For example, we have a free wellness center, 250 free red bikes that are loaned out in the Fall and spring term, a free shuttle going to many different places, D Term classes and opportunities, many opportunities for free meals. The study abroad program is amazing also, they make it so it costs the same as it would to attend North Central.

What to do for fun

There are many events all the time and they are normally free or very inexpensive to attend. We get hypnotists, concerts (Andy Grammar was this last year) off campus trips (six flags), comedians, dances, sport events, intramural sports, downtown Naperville or Chicago.

Food and Dining

I have found it really depends on how you grew up, if mom made a homemade meal every night for dinner, you may have a hard time getting used to it. If you're like me, where your family was always busy and ate when you had time, it's not bad at all. Since the school has so many athletes, they have a lot of healthy food. They are also adding and improving all the dining options and facilities.

Dorm Life

A lot of kids tend to go home on the weekends, but there are always events offered on the weekend. The dorms are all pretty nice and you get really close with the people on your floors.

Academic Rigor

The classes are difficult and with the small classes professors know if you come to class and if you are paying attention or not. You can't hide in these classes.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure you visit the school and get to know it, it is not for everyone. Not to say it's bad, but like how large school are not for me. If you want to be a small fish in a big pond and just a number among thousands, this school is not for you. If you want to go to a school where you can be known, grow, have an impact, and get one on one relationships with almost if not all your professors, then this school is for you. It is also in such a great location, if you love Chicago, the train station is only a few blocks away. If you like free t-shirts, you can get plenty of those too!

In three sentences

After completing half of my first year, I can honestly say that I am so happy I chose this school. The faculty is amazing and there is a close nit community willing to help students challenge themselves and grow. Being a small school, there are so many opportunities that no large university could compare to, which is one main thing that helps North Central stand out.

Chantel from Chicago, IL

Campus security patrols throughout the day and night, it's a pretty safe place to live.

Bang for the buck

It's a good amount of money but you will definitely learn a lot while you are here.

What to do for fun

Because the school is close to downtown Naperville, I go shopping with my roommate, or we take the shuttle to the mall, or hang out at the Cage with some friends.

Food and Dining

The Cage is a really great place to hang out, you can get smoothies and pizza, it's fun to hang out there on weekends. Kaufman is the dining hall, it's pretty cool, but sometimes it's cold in there.

Dorm Life

I love my dorm, the RA is awesome, and the girls on my floor are aamazing.

Academic Rigor

Some classes can be difficult but if you study and work hard you can pass.

Tips for prospective students

If you are having trouble, go talk to your professors. Get involved with on campus activities and jobs.

In three sentences

North Central College is a great school, I love the small campus size, everything is basically in walking distance. The small class sizes and one on one attention from the professors are really helpful. The students are really nice and very helpful to incoming students.

Samantha from Geneseo, IL

11/16/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
13 of 29

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Campus Safety

Campus safety can always been seen walking around campus making sure everything is in order. They do a wonderful job of keeping the campus safe for all students. They are also always available by phone call to pick you up on campus and drive you to your dorm if you do not feel safe and can also help you if you get locked out or lose anything.

Greek Life

We have academic fraternities and sororities that you can look up online but we do not have the typical houses and what not that most big name state schools have.

Clubs and Activities

There are a variety of clubs and activities that are available for all students. You can find most of them online on the school website or at the activity fair at the beginning of the year.

Great for these types of students

There are always lots of musical events for students who love performing or listening to music. Also, sporting events are a big thing here for those who want to be involved in spirit teams or the teams themselves or if you just like showing your school spirit.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Pfieffer Hall is considered the third most haunted theatre in Illinois so it is typical that students go in late at night for ghost hunting. We also battle our rivals from Wheaton in a football game for a little brass bell that our college had taken from them in the 60s.

Bang for the buck

The campus is a small close knit community. All the facilities are nice and up to date and you never have a long walk to get anywhere. The class sizes are also small and the professors get to know your name and become closer to you just like in most high schools. Naperville is also a very safe yet active community.

What to do for fun

There are always things going on on campus and around Naperville. You can visit a sporting event or anything that is being held by student organizations. Students have easy access to downtown Naperville to walk around little shops and the River Walk. There is also a free shuttle that can take you to Target, Jewel, Woodfield Mall, or the movie theatre.

Food and Dining

It's college food. North Central has 2 different places to dine. The first is called Kaufman which is an all you can eat buffet. It has many different options for meals and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The second is called The Cage. It is a girl and a pizza place but also offers smoothies. It is much smaller than Kaufman but the food here is generally a bit better but not quite as healthy.

Dorm Life

The dorms aren't too bad for first years. They aren't top of the line but they are located on central campus and are fairly roomy. They are in the best location and you are close to other first years as well.

Academic Rigor

This college is on tri-mesters which is 3 ten week blocks. The courses are fairly fast pace but it is nothing that is unmanageable and isn't too hard to get used to.

Tips for prospective students

Try to take more than one visit to the campus. If there is something you didn't really get to see or just seeing the campus another time, you always see something new.

In three sentences

I would give North Central College an overall 8. It has a lot of opportunities and offers plenty of scholarships. It is in a great location and you get your money's worth.

Michael from Romeoville, IL

10/11/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

15 of 29

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Campus Safety

Naperville is one of the safest cities in the state, so there's not much to worry about. Whenever the is a problem, campus safety always takes care of it and does a great job of doing so. Recently there was a robbery near the school. Campus safety put out a notice to inform everyone, offered a reward for information, and worked their hardest to catch the perpetrators.

Greek Life

There are no fraternities/sororities here.

Clubs and Activities

The clubs here are really good and involved, but there isn't a big enough variety. There is a science club, but it's aimed at biology majors, while there is no big club for specifically physics majors or chemistry majors. Also, there aren't really groups for more academic based clubs, such as math team or chess team.

Great for these types of students

NCC is great for students that want to make friends and get close with the professors to have a better understanding of the material they are learning.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The theater here (Pfeiffer Hall) is considered haunted, and there are regular ghost tours around campus that involve this building.

Bang for the buck

North Central is a really good school. The professor are always helpful, the classes are always full of learning, and the campus is full of activities. However, the price is pretty steep. Is it worth it for the close relations with the professors? I would say yes. However, there are still better options out there.

What to do for fun

Hanging out with the many friends here is always an option. Downtown Naperville is also a 5 minute walk away, so that is always available to roam around and shop. The school provides a shuttle to the nearby Target and the mall, circling around every hour. Many clubs and activities are also available. Some event is held every weekend, including theater performances and famous guests, such as the Beach Boys!

Food and Dining

The food is the worst part about this school. Although it's not awful, it's also not good. Compared to schools such as ISU, which has many options at the dining hall, NCC has a limited selection for each meal.

Dorm Life

Dorm life is really good. The halls are filled with friendly people, and the occasional floor meeting makes them easy to meet. The facilities are all really nice too. Janitors daily clean bathrooms and keep the halls sanitary.

Academic Rigor

The classes aren't as bad as ivy league schools, but they still require a lot of work. In order to get an A in most classes, a lot of extra time is needed. However, the extra help from the professors makes it all much easier.

Tips for prospective students

NCC is a really good school where you can have fun, become friends with the professors (and even eat lunch with them every week!), while still getting a great education. Everyone here is really nice and it's easy to make friends, and it's hard to make enemies.

In three sentences

North Central College is a really good small, private university that values its students greatly. The professors are passionate about their work and take time to help students whenever they need it. The classes are very thought-provoking and definitely allow one to learn a lot.

Cody from Montgomery, IL

Campus safety is top notch. They stick around and do their duty all the time, even over the summer... they may be a little quick to jump on parking violators though, even for small violations.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The campus has been there for 150 years, so some of the older buildings are rife with legends and ghost stories. I hear new things quite often.

What to do for fun

The theater program makes sure there is entertainment to watch or take place in on a daily basis, I highly recommend it. It is also situated right next to downtown Naperville, which has obvious applications.

Food and Dining

I have only eaten on campus facilities a handful of times, but each time has been delicious, and at the very least, filling. Certainly good portions.

Academic Rigor

I have only been involved in a double major, so the pace an intensity of the work has been impressive to say the least. I cannot speak for others effectively, I do not think, nor do I think i have a typical experience.

Tips for prospective students

Don't be afraid to get involved in the school community - There is something there for everyone.

In three sentences

Spirited faculty make the college experience here enriching. The level of understanding and passion for their work makes learning an easy and engaging experience. All around good facilities.

Melissa from Winfield, IL

07/26/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

17 of 29

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What to do for fun

Many students will walk around downtown and get ice cream with friends or they will take a train to Chicago since the station is located right at the edge of campus. You will find most students hanging out in the plaza playing frisbee or volleyball.

Food and Dining

Food at the cafeteria is pretty good! But if you get tired of that food, there are many delicious restaurants located downtown along with places like Jamba Juice, Starbucks, and Red Mango.

Dorm Life

I don't live on campus but my friend does and she loves it! Everyone is super friendly and it's fun going out because the campus is only minutes away from Downtown Naperville.

Academic Rigor

North Central uses trimesters so that means classes are fast paced since there are only ten weeks in the trimesters. By taking good notes and doing lots of studying, you'll have no problem keeping up.

Tips for prospective students

Live on campus because you'll regret not partaking in all the fun. Also make sure you study but also spend time with friends, too. In addition, be sure to take advantage of getting extra help from your professors.

In three sentences

North Central College is a blast to be at! Everyone is friendly and it's easy to start conversations with other students and make friends. Also it's only minutes away from Downtown Naperville, extending the campus even further!

Shavonna from Naperville, IL

07/16/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

18 of 29

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Campus Safety

Available 24 hours. They will pick you up from the other side of campus late at night if you feel uncomfortable to walk to your dorm along. That is known as the escorting service. Campus Safety is constantly driving around campus. So the campus is very safe.

Greek Life

Greek Life is not permitted at this institution. North Central is a private institution and the city of Naperville has a reputation to uphold. So they decided to not permit Greek Life years ago because they feel it would bring disruptions to the community.

Fox Valley Westfield Mall is approximately 15 minutes away from campus, there are movie nights on campus, tons of volunteer opportunities, The River Walk, Centennial Beach which is Downtown Naperville.

Food and Dining

There is Kaufman dining hall that has a good variety of healthy meals. Then there is The Cage where you can get Papa John's Pizza, hot wings, burgers, chicken tenders, etc... North Central campus is located right next to Downtown Naperville that has a variety of different restaurants starting from Subway to Potbelly's, Chipotle, Noodles & Company, Sullivan's Steakhous, etc...

Dorm Life

Dorm life is a lot of fun. That is how you get to meet a lot of your closest friends.

Academic Rigor

Classes are fast pace because the terms are shorter, so you must attend every class accordingly to to do well. Also, participation in class is key. A lot of the classes are discussion style, so that everyone is involved.

Tips for prospective students

Never be afraid to ask for help because it is so easy to find and no one will turn you away.

In three sentences

A very friendly community. The staff are truly friendly individuals that are willing to help you to a successful college experience. Everyone knows pretty much everyone on campus, so it is a tight, close-knit community.

Jack from Manhattan, IL

We have a helpful, responsible, smart team of officers on Campus safety. North Central College is very safe.

Greek Life

There is not any

Clubs and Activities

Everything and anything is offered at this school.

Great for these types of students

Communters, People who would like to stay close to home, or be near Chicago.

Bang for the buck

North Central College is a highly valued school and is great with helping out financially.

What to do for fun

There are technically ten weeks in a term at North Central, and every single week there are so many options that I have a hard time choosing what to do. There are performances by so many talented artists (Yo-Yo Ma, Colbie Callat, Switch Foot), there are also comedians and productions put on almost every weekend.

Food and Dining

North Central College has two dining facilities. One of which is a buffet style set-up, and the other has a fast-food feel to it but there are a lot of healthy choices offered.

Dorm Life

Community is one of the most important words to describe the dorm life on campus. The Area-Hall Directors and the Resident Hall Assistants strive to make the life in the dorms more comfortable than home.

Academic Rigor

Every Class I have had seemed like a challenge, but in a great way! I always felt I was able to grasp ideas from class lectures, discussions, and debates without feeling overwhelmed. I was tested, but not to a point where I felt I was drowning.

Tips for prospective students

North Central College just turned one-hundred and fifty years old, just had a brand new state-of-the-art fine arts center built, the college is built with in an actual community of surrounding families. The classes here are a lot smaller class sizes that provide more one-on-one with your professor, and lastly North Central College runs on trimesters.

In three sentences

North Central College has everything a prospective college student could want. On its beautiful campus you will find a tight community, unbelievable opportunities for growth, and also a wonderful faculty and staff. Instead of looking for a huge school to attend, where you will no doubt be just a number, you should check out a school where you will actually matter.

Emy from Palm Beach, KS

It is almost in downtown Naperville, so there are plenty of restaurants etc.

Tips for prospective students

If you are going there from out of state, a lot of people leave on the weekends, so make sure you are comfortable with that.

In three sentences

North Central is a great school for people wanting a small school with good academics. It is close to Chicago, so the opportunities are great to go into the city. People are friendly, and it is easy to become a part of the community.

Amanda from Hanover Park, IL

02/25/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

4 out of 4 people found this review useful.
22 of 29

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Comments

Campus Safety

campus safety is honestly very good at north central. they are always walking around making sure everyone is safe and everything is going as it should. they respond quickly to calls, and make sure to inform every student if something was reported.

Greek Life

there is no greek life at north central.

Clubs and Activities

there are more clubs and activities than i can even list on here. if you check the website, they go into much more detail, but i do know there is alot to choose from.

Great for these types of students

students seeking a good and genuine education, not a party school.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

at the beginning of every year we have a torch lighting parade where we parade the campus to the president's house, and then we sing the school song.

Bang for the buck

yes, this school is quite expensive, but you pay for what you get. at north central, you are going to get an amazing education that will truly help you in the job field.

What to do for fun

there are always sporting events going on that you can go to for fun. other than that, the school sends out an email every week of events that are going to take place that you can join in on if you would like too. i must admitt, they do a very splendid job of making sure there is always something going on.

Food and Dining

to be honest, the food here is not that great. they do try their hardest to make home cooked meals so we do not feel like we are eating at a dining hall, but more times than not i end up eating a salad. that is one good thing about it, the salad bar has an abundance of toppings to choose from. also, they make very good desserts!

Dorm Life

dorm life is difficult at first. you have to get used to all the extra noises going on, living with a new person, and having to share utilities with a bunch of random people. however, it is also fun because you get to meet new people and branch out of your comfort zone of your friends from back home.

Academic Rigor

the academic rigor is very high here only because teachers here have such faith in us as students. they know we are better than just average colleges, we can take on extra challenges and, this in turn, gives us an amazing education.

Tips for prospective students

my tips for prospective students is to make the most out of your time there. do not always stay in your dorm room with the door shut-- you will never meet any new people and will become very home sick. also, make sure you stay up to date with all your school work. it is so very difficult to try to play catch up with school work.

In three sentences

north central is a very welcoming and safe environment. the faculty and staff members go to great lengths to make sure you are enjoying your time on campus. the campus itself has a very home like feeling in every aspect from the buildings to the open grass areas to the dorms and beyond.

NAMGYEL from NAPERVILLE, IL

very active clubs and activities on campus. i know because i used to be president of one of the clubs.

Great for these types of students

who need financial aid and for those who really want to learn.

What to do for fun

chicago downtown which has a lot to offer is only 45-min train ride from the college. also the college itself is only blocks away from downtown naperville, one of the fastest growing sub-urban town in illinois.

Tips for prospective students

if you are looking for a small but great school, then north central has it all. in addition, majority of ug students receive some kind of scholarship. i choose north central college because they gave me the highest scholarship package.

In three sentences

great school located in one of the safest neighborhood. smaller class size add up to student's advantage. however, not allowing international graduate students to do internship is something that can be discussed or changed.

Emma from Lowell, MI

02/17/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
24 of 29

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Comments

Campus Safety

naperville is probably one of the safest cities in the country. campus safety does a really good job of making students feel safe. they offer escorts back to your dorm from the train station or other buildings at night, which i like a lot.

Great for these types of students

commuters or those who live somewhat nearby.

What to do for fun

downtown naperville is such an adorable town. there's lots of clothing stores, boutiques, bookshops, ice cream, and restaurants. the metra to chicago is only a few blocks from campus, and i use that quite often.

Food and Dining

not great. kaufman dining hall's food is from the same company i had at my high school cafeteria. there's not much variety either, and being gluten free and vegetarian is very difficult when going here. they have introduced some gluten free bread at kaufman dining hall and various snacks at the cage and boilerhouse since i've arrived here, however.

Dorm Life

people go home a lot on the weekends if they live nearby, which a large majority of the students do. the freshman dorms are not the best quality, but that's to be expected.

Academic Rigor

i found my classes to be somewhat manageable. i came from not needing to study much in high school to needing to study for all my tests, and i've been doing just fine.

Tips for prospective students

the small classes are great if you like to ask for help and feel you need that extra push to do your best. i would definitely recommend going here for that. also, get out and meet people in your classes; don't depend on making friends in your dorms!

In three sentences

i would not recommend going here if you're from out of state. there's not much to do on the weekends; people usually go home if they live an hour or less away, and there are several clubs that provide activities to do on the weekends, but many of them cater to commuting students. for those who like food, the dining hall closes early on the weekends, and the convenience store is overpriced.

Carmen from Memphis, TN

This campus is great for students who want a small population and getting to know their teachers, as well as teachers getting to know them.

Tips for prospective students

This school has a lot to offer and plenty of opportunities for students since it is somewhat small. Also, if you do decide to come, take advantage of all that the school has to offer! Like free trips to Downtown Chicago, Academic Clubs (they take trips, too), and even weekend activities.

Bang for the buck

They offer a lot of scholarships and the services on campus really even out for what ever left of your tuition that you pay. There are plenty of free trips and activities around campus that may interest you that are supported from tuition.

Am enjoying being here

The campus is small and the people are friendly! Making friends is easy, and there are plenty activities that allow you to meet more people. The area surrounding the town is even nicer. The school offers a nice shuttle to a grocery and mall! Then, the train station is only a few blocks away, so you can travel into the Chicago at anytime of the day. I love the trimester schedule as well! A longer Christmas break!

Am learning a lot

There are a lot of great teachers who are available to help any student who needs it! Not only that, but there are student tutors who are connected with the teachers who can help you with your studying when the teacher is not available!

KCTRI

10/13/2010

Reviewer is A current student here.

5 out of 5 people found this review useful.
27 of 29

Categories

Comments

Great for these types of students

Students looking for a small, private college that facilitates discussion between professors and students on a daily basis. Students that want to be able to talk to their professors inside and outside of class should also seriously consider North Central College.

Tips for prospective students

Do not bring your car and try to find a job on campus or that you can walk to. Be prepared to discuss topics in many classes. Also, get involved to meet new people and have a good time!

Bang for the buck

North Central College is very expensive. The small class sizes and personal interaction with professors is definitely it's strengths. The meal plans are a bit expensive and parking is a bit ridiculous, but in the end it is worth it.

Am enjoying being here

There is a lot to do on campus and off campus in nearby Naperville. The people on campus are very nice, friendly, and welcoming.

Am learning a lot

Classes are very small and very discussion based. Professors know what they are teaching and very professional.

Tyler from Sandwich, IL

08/21/2009

Reviewer is A current student here.

12 out of 12 people found this review useful.
28 of 29

Categories

Comments

Great for these types of students

Students who like a close knit group of friends. Students who need good one-on-one interaction with their professors, they are always available. Also, students who planning on doing internships in Chicago, the train is only a few blocks away.

Tips for prospective students

Visit for a weekend, stay overnight. See all that the community has to offer. Be sure to visit at a time when you can take a stroll on the riverwalk and feed the ducks. If you have a chance to take in a show or play at the new music auditorium it would be worth your while. You can also stay overnight with a current student to see what weekend college life is like.

Bang for the buck

Although North Central is considered a private school, the scholarships available are awesome if you have a good GPA.

Am enjoying being here

Downtown Naperville has a lot to offer; shops, food, and cultural activities. Aurora is nearby with a lot of recreational activities. It is also close to my hometown which makes going home on an occasional weekend an easy commute. The campus is small enough that walking to classes isn't overly time consuming, wake up and go!

Am learning a lot

The classes have been small and very informative. I have had no problems scheduling classes when I want them or changing time/day if I need to. I was also allowed to apply to the teacher education program before starting my sophomore year. The professors are always available.

Sarah from Newburgh, IN

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

8 out of 8 people found this review useful.
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Categories

Comments

Great for these types of students

Those who care about academics but want a welcoming, fun atmosphere

Tips for prospective students

Visit campus and see just how nice Naperville is to live. The admissions team was really friendly and helpful both on the telephone and when I visited campus!

Bang for the buck

Although the tuition is not cheap, merit aid scholarships were very helpful in my case.

Will enjoy being here

The area around the campus is downtown Naperville and includes a great place to take walks (the Riverwalk), shopping, and restaurants. Since this college is close to Chicago, there are also nearly endless things to do within a 45 minute drive or train ride.

Will learn a lot

The course selection is varied and seems to include opportunities to learn a lot about a multitude of subjects.

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